International Business with Foundation YearBA (Hons)

If you're interested in studying International Business but lack the formal qualifications to start the honours degree, our Foundation Year is your starting point for an exciting business career anywhere in the world

Draw on current real-world case studies to keep right up to date with latest developments in the global business arena

Add substance to your CV with our exclusive Futures Award in Networking and Economic, Financial and Commercial Awareness in International Business which recognises the extra-curricular activities you undertake to improve your employability.

If you have the ambition and ability to study International Business with us, the Foundation Year will help smooth your way to success.

The ideal introduction

We have designed the Foundation Year route especially for students who don’t meet the formal entry requirements to embark on our honours degree right now.

By starting with the Foundation Year, you’ll gain an invaluable introduction to business on a global scale, building your skills, knowledge and confidence so that you can complete the full BA (Hons) in four years.

From day one, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of being a University of Derby student and you won’t need to apply again to complete your full BA (Hons) degree. Once you pass the Foundation Year, you will be able to progress directly to stage one of the degree.

Meet the challenge of change

From the repercussions of the global financial crisis to the impact of Brexit, from the emergence of new international markets to complex trade regulations, this is an exciting time to study International Business.

Our degree will equip you with the high-level skills and in-depth knowledge you need to deal with change in the global business arena. You will gain a full appreciation of the economic, financial, political, legal and cultural factors facing international organisations.

We place a strong emphasis on applied economic analysis and developing your capacity for critical thinking. Throughout, you will apply latest business and economic theory to the practicalities of the real world. You will also develop broader attributes which today’s employers expect, such as problem-solving, decision-making, report writing, research and presentation skills.

Use real-time data in your work

Our new Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab is the ideal setting for you to gain hands-on experience, working with the same information and technology used by financial professionals all over the world. As well as providing you with vital insights into trading floor activities and financial market analysis, it gives you access to latest data about companies across the globe.

We have invested in these exceptional learning facilities in partnership with Bloomberg, the global business and financial information leader. It puts a wealth of information at your fingertips, including company and director profiles plus analysis of current affairs from Bloomberg Intelligence.

You will receive training from Bloomberg specialists, have access to their helpdesk and can even work towards the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate alongside your degree to boost your professional profile.

Invaluable practical experience

Practical experience is vital if you are to be fully equipped for a career in the rapidly changing global business environment. As part of the BA (Hons) International Business, you will be encouraged to go on a placement or internship – at home or abroad – between stages two and three of your course. This will involve a minimum of a three-month summer internship or a maximum of a year-long placement.

We offer full support and guidance to help you find the right opportunity to match your career aspirations and interests. During your time in the workplace, you will receive visits from a tutor who will monitor your progress.

Add a new dimension to your CV

We encourage you to work towards an additional award which will showcase your versatility and professionalism to potential employers. Focused on employability, the Futures Award gives recognition to any extra-curricular activities you undertake to boost your career development, build your experience of networking and advance your leadership and consultancy skills.

Your Futures Award activities could entail attending workshops on CV design and improvement; developing techniques for interviews; preparing for assessment centres or psychometric tests; taking part in networking events; or leading a small project within a student society or voluntary role.

Take the chance to study abroad

Reflecting the international focus of this degree, we encourage all students to take the opportunity to study abroad. You could choose to study with one of our international partner institutions for a semester or a year, usually in stage two of your studies.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of international study by joining one of the short visits abroad we organise each year.

Inspiring expertise, extensive support

Our teaching team is committed to helping you excel in your studies and putting you on the path to career success. They combine industry experience with wide-ranging research activities, publishing extensively on some of the most critical trends transforming international business today.

You will also benefit from our specially designed personal tutor system. You will meet your personal tutor during induction week and have at least three scheduled meetings with them each year. They will help you plan your personal and career development as well as supporting your work towards the Futures Award.

Become part of the wider business community

Thanks to our strong regional, national and international partnerships, employers are closely involved in shaping this course, delivering guest lectures, providing real-world case studies and giving vital advice to our students. This ensures your studies are always up to date and relevant.

You will also have the chance to join a range of societies at the University such as the Economics, Trading and Investment Society, the Business and Entrepreneurial Society and the Derby University Network of Entrepreneurs (DUNE).

Because Derby Business School attracts students from around the world, you will become part of a vibrant and highly diverse learning community where you can share experiences and ideas from different global perspectives.

How you will learn

Real world learning is at the heart of this programme. The focus is on solving genuine business and organisational problems.

We use a compelling combination of interactive lectures, expert speakers, problem-solving seminars, group work, group discussion, workshops, case study analysis, computer lab work and practical analysis. Throughout your studies, you will also engage with businesses and external experts.

You may find yourself creating strategy documents, producing international business reports, delivering presentations and videos, or analysing information from Bloomberg on international markets and organisations.

At the start of the course you will benefit from substantial direction from our teaching team. As your studies progress, you are expected to work more independently, taking greater responsibility for your own learning – but always with the support and advice of your tutors.

Entry requirements

September 2019 typical entry requirements

UCAS points

72 (up to 16 from AS-levels)

Specific requirements at A-level

N/A

Specific requirements at GCSE

GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study.

IELTS

6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)

Interview / Audition

N/A

Portfolio

N/A

Alternative entry qualifications:

BTEC - MPP

Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.

We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

Careers

This distinctive degree will help set you apart as a forward-thinking, dynamic professional with a thorough understanding of current business and economic issues from a global perspective. It offers a broader and deeper business education than is available on many more traditional degrees. Further qualifications such as the Bloomberg Certificate and the Futures Award make an impressive addition to your CV too.

You will be ideally prepared for graduate management and consultancy training positions. You can look forward to senior roles in international trade, transport and logistics corporations, financial institutions involved with trade and investment, firms engaged with business process outsourcing, government agencies and international business consultancies – to name but a few areas.

We’re committed to improving your employability at every stage of your studies. Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.

Dr Eugene MichaelsProgramme leader

An applied economist passionate about teaching, enthusiastic about research and keen on professional engagement. His role within the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences spans the full range of academic activities from teaching at all levels, to leading programmes, to keynote speaking and business consultancy and to applied research.

† Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Included in your fees

Bloomberg data usage within modules with access to Bloomberg terminals for specified assessments

Statistical analysis software SPSS for use in modules

Some taster events - transport costs covered

Opportunities to enter IBM University Business Challenge, CIMA Global Business Challenge and University Trading Challenge

Part funded trip to Copenhagen for 2nd and 3rd year students. Optional with limited places available.

Optional costs not included in your fees

Printing

Textbooks

Opportunity to apply for CMI student membership and Institute of Directors student membership

Some taster events - transport costs

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.